17th Century French Provincial Petrin Dough Box

Antique French Louis XIII petrin or dough chest in two parts with large interior storage. Bread board top, pegged construction and large dovetail detail. Top lifts off and chest may be removed from legs. This versatile piece can be used as a sofa, console,cocktail table or blanket chest. Normally, a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation. The top was used to knead the dough while the interior served as a proofing chamber. The lower base from a later date than the dough box.